Last month, Android users needed to manually remove 16 infected apps. This month, 21 gaming apps have been discovered on the Google Play Store containing adware.
As ZDNet reports, the 21 infected apps were discovered by cybersecurity company Avast and all contain the HiddenAds malware. The trojan is used to generate revenue by collecting user data for marketing and redirecting users to lucrative advertising which generates per-click payments every time an ad is tapped. It can be hard to spot because the ads hide behind relevant ads and the malware presents itself as a legitimate "fun" app.
The 21 infected apps are:
- Assassin Legend - 2020 NEW
- Cream Trip - NEW
- Crush Car
- Desert Against
- Find 5 Differences - 2020 NEW
- Find Hidden
- Find the Differences - Puzzle Game
- Flying Skateboard
- Helicopter Attack - NEW
- Helicopter Shoot
- Iron it
- Jump Jump
- Money Destroyer
- Plant Monster
- Props Rescue
- Rolling Scroll
- Rotate Shape
- Rugby Pass
- Shoot Them
- Shooting Run
- Sway Man
In total, these 21 apps have registered more than eight million downloads, and according to ZDNet six still remain available on the Play Store (this may have changed since the time of writing).
"While Google is doing everything possible to prevent HiddenAds from entering its Play Store, the malicious apps keep finding new ways to disguise their true purpose, thus slipping through to the platform and then to users’ phones," Jakub Vávra, Threat Analyst at Avast, says. "Users need to be vigilant when downloading applications to their phones and are advised to check the applications' profile, reviews and to be mindful of extensive device permission requests."
Avast says your best line of defense against these types of apps is to always read the reviews thoroughly, be suspicious of high-priced digital items that appear within them, and check the permissions they ask for. And as these apps are clearly aimed at a young audience, education is key for children.
If you are suspicious, don't install the app or uninstall it immediately. There's an abundance of other apps out there to enjoy instead. You can also protect your Android phone or tablet by using a reputable antivirus app.